Smiling Through the Cross

Saint Julie Billiart, canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1969, is a radiant example of joy in suffering and strength in service. Known affectionately as the “Smiling Saint,” her unwavering trust in God amidst paralysis, persecution, and revolutionary upheaval became a source of inspiration for countless souls. As the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, she dedicated her life to the education of girls and the spiritual formation of youth, especially the poor. Her legacy is one of compassion, unshakable faith, and a love for Jesus Christ that transcended all obstacles. Her motto—“Oh, how good is the good God!”—continues to echo through the hearts of those who invoke her intercession.

God’s Seed in the Soil of Suffering

Julie Billiart was born on July 12, 1751, in the rural village of Cuvilly, in Picardy, France. From an early age, she showed signs of profound holiness and intellect. By the time she was seven, she had memorized the entire Catechism and began instructing other children in the faith. Her family, though materially modest, was rich in devotion. Her early years were filled with acts of charity, prayer, and catechesis, revealing a precocious soul deeply attuned to the things of God.

A pivotal event in her life occurred when she was just 22 years old. After witnessing a violent attack on her father, Julie suffered a psychological and physical collapse that eventually left her paralyzed. Confined to bed for 22 years, she was not defeated but rather refined. She transformed her small room into a sanctuary of light, offering spiritual instruction and comfort to all who came to her bedside. During the French Revolution, when priests were hunted and executed, Julie courageously gave refuge to those in hiding, placing herself at great risk. Her home became a clandestine center of Catholic resistance, prayer, and education.

It was during these years of hidden suffering that God was preparing her for a greater mission. In her mid-forties, she met Françoise Blin de Bourdon, a noblewoman drawn to the same vision of educating young girls in the faith. Together, in 1804, they founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, an institute dedicated to making “known the goodness of God” through Christian education. Despite the political turmoil and ecclesial suspicion they faced, Mother Julie pressed forward with serenity and courage, establishing schools throughout France and Belgium.

Rise and Walk

Perhaps the most astonishing moment in Saint Julie’s life came on June 1, 1804. After years of paralysis, she was suddenly and miraculously healed. Following a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and at the urging of her confessor, Julie rose from her bed and walked unaided for the first time in over two decades. Witnesses were awestruck. This healing, which could not be explained medically, confirmed the sanctity of her mission and the divine favor resting upon her.

But this miracle wasn’t just about physical restoration. It symbolized the spiritual vigor she already carried. Julie had always been “walking” in faith, even when her body failed her. Her healing became a visible sign of God’s power working through one who had already surrendered everything to His will. From that point forward, her work expanded exponentially. Her steps, once stilled, now tread the paths of service and leadership, forming new communities and nurturing the souls of countless young women.

Under the Shadow of the Cross

Saint Julie’s life was not without deep crosses. Living through the French Revolution meant navigating a world hostile to religious life and Catholic fidelity. She was often forced into hiding, moving from town to town to escape persecution. At one point, she even disguised herself and was smuggled to safety in a hay cart. Her physical suffering was immense, but her spiritual trials were no less severe. She faced misunderstanding from clergy, resistance from civil authorities, and sometimes even betrayal from within her own circles.

And yet, Saint Julie never faltered. She clung to the Cross of Christ with joyful abandon. When she was slandered or mocked, she responded with love. When the needs of her Sisters seemed overwhelming, she encouraged them with her signature refrain: “Oh, how good is the good God!” She was not a martyr in the technical sense, but her life was one long martyrdom of the heart—a daily dying to self and a continual rising in Christ.

The Light Still Shines

Julie Billiart passed into eternal life on April 8, 1816, in Namur, Belgium. But her story didn’t end there. Reports of miraculous healings began to spread almost immediately after her death. The faithful began visiting her tomb, and many claimed physical and spiritual healings through her intercession. These reports, investigated by the Church, contributed to her beatification in 1906 and her canonization in 1969.

Today, her spiritual daughters—the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—continue her work across five continents. Schools, hospitals, and missions operate in her name, all inspired by her vision of Christ-centered education and outreach to the marginalized. Pilgrimages to her places of ministry, especially in Cuvilly and Namur, remain sites of grace and devotion. Her relics are venerated with love, and many continue to receive favors through her powerful intercession.

How Good Is the Good God!

Saint Julie Billiart invites each of us to see our suffering not as a curse, but as a calling. Her joy in pain, her trust in uncertainty, and her love for the poor show us what it means to live a life of Gospel witness. She didn’t let her paralysis define her. Instead, she let it deepen her reliance on Christ and magnify her joy in Him. We, too, are called to live with that kind of faith.

What is paralyzing your spirit today? Is it fear, disappointment, or weariness? Ask yourself: how can Saint Julie’s life inspire me to rise from my spiritual paralysis and walk again in the light of Christ? Like her, we are called to bring the truth of God’s goodness to others, even when our resources feel small and our strength limited.

Let us remember her motto—“Oh, how good is the good God!”—and carry it with us. Let it be our prayer when life feels heavy and our praise when joy returns. Saint Julie Billiart reminds us that no circumstance, however painful, can separate us from the transforming love of Jesus.

Engage with Us!

We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below. Here are some questions to ponder:

• How can Saint Julie Billiart’s resilience inspire you to overcome challenges in your own faith journey?
• In what ways can you contribute to the education and spiritual formation of those in your community?
• How does the example of Saint Julie encourage you to trust in divine providence during times of hardship?

Let us support one another in our faith journeys, striving to do all things with love, as our Lord Jesus Christ did.

Saint Julie, pray for us!

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